LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 






UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



'C^ 





OEMS. 



BY 



7W\/» MARTHA A. SMITH. 



33 



5>A26 / 



^/ 



BROOKLYN: 
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, 



r5 2.^ti 




TKOMAS P. PEABODY, PRINTER, 52 FOURTH AVENUE, NEW rORK. 



CONTENTS. 



Adieu, My Native Land, 

Adieu, My Friend, 

Alone and so Weary, 

Alone the Heart Speaketh, 

A Mother's Lament, 

A Mother's Sorrow, 

A Prayer on Thanksgiving 

A Thought,. . , '" 

Beautiful Light, 

Beautiful Sunlight, 

Burying-Ground Musings, 

Christmas Morning, 

Cling Together, 

Dead Love, 

Death, . 

Death of Bertha Shultz 

Do I Love Thee? . 

Edna Clair, 

Eternally Resting, . 

Everlasting Woe, 

Farewell to Lizzie, . 

Friendship, . 

Friendship's Offering, 

Go, False Deceiver, 

Grandma's Soliloquy, 

Heart Sorrow, 

Here and Hereafter, 

Ida in Heaven, . 

In Memory of Mrs. W. E. Hor 



Day 



will, 



PAQE 
52 

5 
15 
92 

97 
121 

7 
102 

13 

18 

103 

95 
119 

37 
114 

75 

30 

112 

116 

36 

lOI 

120 

59 

72 

124 

118 



CONTENTS. 



Life and Death, 

Light and Darkness, . 

Lines to a Friend, . 

Little Albert, 

Little Birdie, . 

Little Daisy, 

Lonely Musings, 

Longing for Rest, 

Love Thee, 

Love, What is It? 

Marriage of a Young Friend, 

Musings, .... 

My Birthday, 

My Hair is Silvered O'er, 

My Prayer, 

Night Thoughts,. 

No, Never More, . 

On Parting, 

Our Little Raymond, 

Passing Away, 

Prepare to Meet thy God, 

Providence, .... 

Remembrance, 

Rest at Last, 

Sadness, 

She is Not Dead, 

Sleighing, 

Spring, . . . . 

Sweet Anna, . 

Thoughts on Death, . 

Thoughts on my Mother, 

The Bridal Day, 

The Bride's Farewell, 

The Death of lone, . 

The Death of Lulu, 



CONTENTS. 



The Departed One, 

The Heart's Affection, 

The Lady at the Ball, 

The Old Pear-Tree, 

The Present and the Futur 

Thee, My Friend, 

Those Beauteous Eyes 

Thoughts on Death 

Thy Sparkling Eye 

To a Friend, 

To Alida, 

To Anna, . 

To Anna Roberts, 

To Belle, . 

To Brother Albert, 

To Louise, . 

To Mintie, 

To My Friends, . 

To My Niece, 

To My Sister, . 

To Sister Sarah, 

To Willie, . 

Weep Not for Me, 



e, 



V 

PAGE 

85 

39 
log 
117 

78 

40 
127 

90 
126 
108 

77 

63 
106 
122 

56 
10=^ 

58 
6 

115 
96 
61 

73 
79 




TO MY FRIENDS. 



With mv love this little book 

I dedicate to thee: 
When on its page you look, 

Then you may think of me. 



POEMS. 



A MOTHER'S LAMENT. 



When I look upon my darling, 
Whose face shines from the wall, 

Sad thoughts come stealing o'er me, 
For I lov'd him best of all. 



I thought he lov'd his mother, — 
How could I be deceived? 

I feel mv heart is breakins;, 
I am so deeply griev'd. 

Oh, do not think, my darling. 

Your mother loves you less. 
Because that when she sees you, 
She can't that love express. 

A sudden pain comes o'er me, 
That racks my heart and brain 

And then I ask my Saviour 
To make it right again. 



POEMS. 

My joys on earth have vanisli'd,— 
Every hope in lite has fled; 

1 am only calmly waiting" 

To be nuraber'd with the dead. 

Then leave me to my sorrow, 
Till grief and troubles o'er, 

I'll soon be safely landed 

On yon bright heavenly shore. 

I oft hear Eddie calling 

In the stillness of the night; 

I know my ansel babv 

Will bear me from your sight. 

And father, too, is waiting, 
And beckons me away; 

I soon will be in heaven, 
In that bright world to stay. 

A brother, too, is watching. 
To welcome me above; 

Oh, who would not dwell forever 
In that atmosphere of love? 

A mother now in heaven. 
Awaiting there for me; 

I am longing for the angels 
To waft mv soul to thee. 



POEMS. 

If you in years hereafter, 
When mother's gone to rest, 

Should feel the dart so poignant 
You thrust in mother's breast,- 

Go, then, and bow to Jesus; 

He will your heart relieve; 
And if you'll only trust Him, 

Your soul He will receive. 



BEAUTIFUL SUNLIGHT. 



Beautiful sunlight, 

Thou hast gone to appear 
With thy Father in heaven, 

Where all is now clear. 
We on earth weeping, 

And longing for rest; 
Yours is secured 

In heaven, we trust. 

Beautiful sunlight, 

W^e lov'd you while here. 
Too lovely for earth, 

God wanted you near; 



POEMS. 

Has taken you to keep 

Free from all harm. 
In His beautiful home 

Nothing more can alarm. 

Beautiful sunlight, 

Oh, could you return, 
And tell of those beauties 

We so wish to learn ; 
God's great book is sealed 

Until we depart; 
Our records are in heaven, 

May we gain the good part. 

Beautiful sunlight. 

As we bid you farewell, 
You to go heavenward, 

We earthly to dwell, 
Till our mission is ended, 

We call'd up above. 
To dwell in our Father's 

Everlasting love. 

Beautiful sunlight, 
God wanted a flower; 

Has taken you to bloom 
In His heavenly bower; 



POEMS. 

Transplanted above. 
One more shining light, 

Making heaven, if possible, 
More beantifnlly briglit. 

Beautiful sunlight, 

God oped your seal'd eyes, 
That you might see clearly 

Bevond the bright skies. 
The shadow of God 

A mantle o'erthrew, 
Then the beauties of heaven 

Were reveal'd unto you. 

Beautiful sunlight, 

Asleep in your God, 
Your glorified spirit, 

Where angels have trod. 
Farewell, our dear sunlight, 

Shinins; above. 
In the light of our Father's 

Most heavenlv love. 



lo POEMS, 

SADNESS. 



Bear with me kindly— 

Speak to me gently, — 
Ere long this deep sea of grief 

Will have pass'd o'er; 
And I shall go from you, 

A weary, lone pilgrim, 
From this world of strife free. 

On Eternity's shore. 

Alone and forsaken, 

God only my beacon, 
In this gloomy hour 

Of my greatest distress, 
I'll brave the dark billows — 

Let seas roll between as, 
But bear with me kindly 

When beyond thy caress. 

As God is my helper 

In this deep affliction, 
Which has dried up my life-blood 

And sear'd my poor brain,— 
Left nought in this dark world 

To see or to wish for; 
Oh, stop my sad heart 

In its pulse-beat of pain. 



POEMS, II 

The last blow is stricken, — 

I bow with submission; 
All that soul ever struggled with 

1 have pass'd o'er; 
Yet my God will sustain me, 

And bear me on bravely, 
Until I have pass'd through 

To Eternity's shore. 

O'er the dark water 

I'll take my departure, 
And flee for sweet rest 

To a quiet retreat, 
Thou'lt not forget mother. 

Who did so adore thee, 
Too late! no kind love 

Will her ever more greet. 

Bear with me kindly, — 

I love thee so truly; 
My heart weeping tears of blood 

O'er my dark way. 
I'll think of thee sweetly — 

Remember thee kindly, — 
Till gone to my Saviour, 

For thee ever will pray. 



12 POEMS. 

But when I have left thee, 

Some kind recollection 
Of thy mother will come 

In deep silence of night, 
In dreams o'er thy pillow, 

And gently caress thee, 
As when a dear little one, 

So loving and bright, 

That I've press'd to my bosom 

In fondest affection, 
And cherish'd with loving 

And tender delight. 
Not dreaming dark clouds 

Would ever o'ershadow 
Our pathway, and leave us 

In darkness and blight. 

Yet in the dim distance 

The shadow is breaking; 
A beacon-light beams 

Above the bright skv, 
That is leading me onward. 

With faith in my Saviour, 
He soon will receive me 

In heaven on hish. 



FOEMS. 13 

Then bear with me gently — 

Speak to me kindly, — 
Those that I've cherish'd 

Are dear to my heart; 
Ere my life's ended, : 

On thy love I depended, 
Oh, speak to me kindly 

Ere from earth I depart. 



CHRISTMAS MORNING. 
1879. 



This lonely feeling of isolation 
Creeps like the icy hand of Death 

Around me, — leaving desolation, 
Chillino- soul and breakins; health. 



'& 



I can not brighten, by my staying 

In this sad, unhappy home, 
One single life by my remaining, 

Then let me fly, and be alone. 

He who knoweth the sorrowful anguish 
Of this aching, lonely heart, 

Will bear me onward, help to banish. 
When I tear myself apart. 



14 POEMS. 

This vain world is fleeting, surely, 
I feel it so, as da3^s pass o'er; 

And I know I'm fading slowly 
Into the vast Forevermore. 

~ Yet no sad'ning thoughts steal ever, 
Nor do I bewail the call, 
When I bid farewell forever, 

And laid within my narrow wall. 

Thoughts of death ne'er cause a shiver. 
That once so used to chill my frame. 

I only pray that God deliver 

Me from this fearful mortal pain. 

This living sorrow without ending, 
Crushing life, — no hope remain, — 

Is far more fearful to the living 

Than death; for then we know no pain. 

Ere the damps of death close o'er us, — 
Cradled in our narrow bed, — 

With cold hands clasp'd across the bosom, 
Heartaches 2:one when we are dead. 



&^ 



Let us strive, ere this last parting. 
To right all wrongs ere yet too late. 

By securing to our darlings 
Equal shares in our estate. 



POEMS. 15 

Don't you see the shadow ever 

Deep'ning to a darker day, 
Unless we burst these clouds asunder. 

And let them find a sunny ray? 

All bright children of our being, 
Loving us as well they do, — 

Can you not see it is a duty 

I am trying to impress on you? 

Only a little while here longer 

Either you or I can stay: 
Try from this dark Christmas morning, 

To cheer their lives from this dark day 



A MOTHER'S SORROW. 



"Have vou no welcome for me, mamma?' 
Came in accents soft and sweet, 
Trembling from the dear one's lips 
As home she came to greet. 

Oh, could she know the pain of heart 
Her mother had endured, — 

That tender cord once torn apart 
Can never be restored. 



i6 POEMS. 

To a heart that's dead unto the core 
Warm love can ne'er return ; 

The light put out for ever more 
Again will never burn. 

The flower blooms not if torn apart, 

No germ from it can shoot ; 
Joy ne'er returns unto the heart, 

When dead unto its root. 

And now, my darling, ere we part. 
With earnest, heartfelt prayer, 

Ask God this agony of heart 
May not leave us in despair. 

"Have you no welcome for me, mamma?" 
Came in accents sweet and low, 
From the lips of one I've prayed so for, 
Since she from me did go, — 

That ere the close of this mortal strife 

God would again restore 
To my perishing, lonely, freezing life, 

Love like this once more. 

''Have you no welcome for me, mamma?" 
Oh, could you but search the heart, 
Or know the bitter tears I've shed, 
. . Since last we two did part. 



POEMS. 17 

A mother's love dieth not, my child, 
Although her heart may break. 

All will be right in Heaven above, 
When our spirits there awake. 

"Have you no welcome for me, mamma?" 
Goes ringing through the heart, 
That will ne'er warm with love again, 
Until from earth we part. 

I've nothing left to wish for now 

But a little spot of ground, 
And a welcome to my home above, 

Where joy and love abound. 

''Have vou no welcome for me, mamma?" 
I replied with a broken heart — 
Take what is left of a blighted life, 
Ere from earth we part. 

This fleeting life hath lost its charm, 

And hearts so sorelv riven. 
Will ne'er know peace and love again 

Until they rest in Heaven. 



POEMS. 
CLING TOGETHER. 



Cling together, you and I, — 
Death will part us by and by: 
'Tis not well that bitter strife 
Should darken all the joys of life. 

Cling together; while we stay 
Let us for each other pray 
All the griefs that rend the heart 
From us -forever may depart. 

Cling together; then from home 
We shall never wish to roam, 
To find in other lands a rest, 
United here w^e'U be so blest. 

Cling together; soon we'll pass 
Unto another life, alas ! 
Then let true love illume our way. 
And cheer our hearts on each dark day. 

Cling together; life is short. 
Heart's true love can ne'er be bought. 
'Tis a jewel bright and rare, — 
Shining gold can not compare. 



POEMS. 19 

Cling together; let ns try 
To live true lives as years roll by. 
Let not this short and weary life 
Be ever spent in bitter strife. 

Cliag together; we'll ask of God, 
Ere we sleep beneath the sod; 
None but He can heal our grief, — 
Only God can bring relief. 

Cling together while we live, — 
So that God to us may give 
A peaceful life until we flee 
To a happier home in eternity. 

Cling together; hearts with love 
Will unite in heaven above: 
For this we hope — for this we pray, 
To meet again at the Great Day. 

Cling together, though dark shadows 
Lower around our pathway here; 

There may be a brighter morrow 
And every cloud shall disappear. 

Cling together; we'll hope on ever 
That true love's sun may shine again; 

Ere our ties on earth we sever 
Let each the other's love regain. 



20 POEMS. 

Cling together; God our Father 
Will watch o'er us while we stay; 

If we trust our loving Saviour, 
He will lidit our darken'd wav. 

Cling together, ere we vanish; 

One by one life's joys decay; 
Those we love and fondly cherish — 

They should be so dear each day. 

Cling together; God who keepeth 

Us in His everlasting care. 
Will not leave, but ever loveth 

Us in this dark and drear despair. 

Cling together; we'll hope on ever 
That love's sun mav shine ao;ain; 

Ere we leave this world forever 
Let love be ours while we remain. 

Cling together; lift the sorroAV 

Darkening round our pathway here; 

There may be a brighter morrow, 
As heavenly hope is drawing near. 

Cling together; lift the shadow, — 
Let it be our earnest prayer 

That God may bring a brighter morrow 
Ere w^e're lost in dark despair. 



POEMS. 21 

Cling together; let love forever 

Unite us here, though short our stay. 

Without true love our lives are ever 
A dreary and a darken 'd day. 

Cling together; each a mission 
God doth give us to perform. 

We'll bow to Him in meek submission, 
And ask release from this dark storm. 

Cling together; perhaps to-morrow 
All dark clouds will disappear. 

'Mid this load of heartfelt sorrow 
We may see our way more clear. 

Cling together; God's mysteries never 
Can we solve while here we stay; 

But when we pass from earth forever, 
All in Heaven will be bright as day. 



THOUGHTS ON MY MOTHER. 



I am trying to be patient, 
And lift my heart above. 

That God may still sustain me, 
And fill my soul with love, — 



22 POEMS. 

That I may bear my burthen, 
And feel it's for the best: 

Perhaps some day the angels 
Will take me home to rest, 

I oft times feel so weary, 
And then I bow my head, 

And ask, "How long, my Saviour, 
Ere I'm number'd with the dead?" 

Oh, mother, dearest mother. 
The tears that I have shed, 

Would make a little fountain. 

Since you've lain in your cold bed. 

I do so miss you, mother; 

You were my joy and love; 
Now you have gone and left me. 

To rest in Heaven above. 

I try to live so meekly. 

And strive to bear my cross, 

While I am journeying onward, 
And on life's billows toss. 

Each day my sorrows deepen, 
While struggling to be free: 

I sometimes cry in anguish — 
"Oh, mother, come to me!" 



POEMS. 23 

And vet no lov'd voice answers, 
Still I know she hears my cry; 

For I oft times feel more happy 
When I know her spirit's nigh. 

But all my tears, dear mother, 
And all my prayers for thee, 

Can never bring you back again 
To this sad home and me. 

My heart's o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, 

And ever longs for thee, 
But I know thy spirit hovers 

With loving care o'er me. 



THE BRIDE'S FAREWELL. 



Farewell, mother, though I leave you. 
Oft for vou mv heart will sio;h; 

And I know you love me dearly, 
Yet sadly I must say good-bye. 

Farewell, father; thou didst bless me, 
Ere my lips thy name could tell; 

Well I know I have thy blessing, 
Though I with another dwell. 



24 POEMS. 

Farewell, sisters; thou'lt remember 
Shady nooks we lov'd so well; 

Where we roam'd the fields all over, 
There in fondest love we dwell. 

Farewell, kind and gentle brother; 

In this hour of gentle bliss. 
My heart o'erflows with love's emotion, 

While I give the parting kiss. 

Farewell, friends; now we are parting. 
Your kind wishes cheer my way; 

O'er my heart a deep, sweet sadness. 
Steals the memory of this day. 

Saddening thoughts now swell my bosom. 
While for all 1 breathe a sigh; 

Father, mother, sisters, brother, 
Each and all a fond good-bye. 



THE BRIDAL DAY. 



The bridal dav! Ah, who can tell 
The hopes and fears their bosoms swell? 
The fair young bride by warrior's side. 
So glorious in her maiden pride. 



POEMS. 2 

The bridal dav I'll ne'er forsret 
Until my sun on earth has set. 
From lowering clouds and sky o'ercast 
The sun is breaking through at last. 

The bridal dav! Oh, mav each life 
Be free from care and earthly strife. 
May wedded life now just begun, 
Be clear and bright as the rising sun. 

The bridal day ! As years roll round. 
Oh, for you may true joys abound; 
And when this fleeting life is past, 
May you re-unite in Heaven at last. 



ON PARTING. 



'Tis over! — this great struggle. 

It has rent my heart in twain ; 
And I am freed forever 

From one I will not name. 

Our God will judge between us 
When we have pass'd away: 

I leave you to your conscience, 
Till the great judgment-day. 



26 POEMS. 

He who knoweth every secret — 
Every joy and every sigh — 

Will bear me on my journey, 
And receive me when I die. 

There is no ansjer in rav heart 
While bidding you farewell: 

I only know 'tis better 
To go from you to dwell. 

Such feeling of deep hatred 
Lies rooted in vour heart, 

Which seems to me so earnest, 
I must from you depart. 

If you think of me hereafter 
In the silence of the night, 

You then will do me justice, 

For you'll know that I am right. 

The still small voice of conscience 
Will ever whisper in your ear, 

And warn you to be careful 
Of those I hold most dear. 

I trust in my Redeemer 
For a record of my life, 

When I appear before Him, 
Freed from this world of strife. 



POEMS. 27 

Then I leave you to your Saviour, 
While we go our lonely way, — 

Trusting in the great hereafter 
Where all is bright as day. 

Farewell ! Still I forg-ive vou ; 

And while on earth I'll pray 
That you'll be receiv'd in Heaven 

At tlie resurrection-dav. 



THOUGHTS ON DEATH. 



*'God moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform." 
He sent a meek-eyed stranger 
To shield me from the storm. 

She asked me, oh, so kindly, 

Had I made my peace with God,- 

Was I ready for the summons, 
And to sleep beneath the sod. 

She said the Lord had sent her 
That mission to perform, — 

To prepare me for His coming, 
And to shield me from the storm. 



28 POEMS. 

I replied that I was ready, 

If the trumpet sound that day: 

I was ready and so anxious 
From earth to pass away. 

My darling little children 

And kind friends the onlv tie 

Would hold me to the present life 
If death were drawing nigh. 

Some with heartfelt sorrow 
Will regret with many a sigh, 

When they see me passing over, 
And know that I must die. 

My heavenly Father, give me strength, 
Is my most earnest prayer; 

Oh, waft my soul to Heaven above, — 
May I Thy glories share. 

I never for a moment doubt 
The goodness of my God : 

That He would guide me onward, 
And lift the chastening rod. 

When earthly joys all vanish, 
We see our way more clear: 

Then we look into the future 
As we find death drawing near. 



POEMS. 29 

Death has for me no terrors; 

I long for coming day. 
This world to me is dreary, 

My life is fading fast away. 

I trust that He'll receive me 

At Heaven's golden gate: 
I'll await on earth His bidding, 

Whate'er may be my fate. 

When life becomes so cheerless, 

Without one rav of lio-ht, 
And know we're drifting onward, 

Unto the darker night. 

But a voice is whispering ever — 
"Press onward, stricken heart! 

There's rest for you in Heaven, 
From every grief you'll part." 

That kind and gentle stranger 
Who would prepare the way, — 

May I meet her in Heaven 
At no far distant day. 



30 POEMS. 1^ 

EVERLASTING WOE. 



Lift the shadow, oh, my God ! 
I bow beneath thy chastening rod ! 
Remove from my poor aching brain 
The troubl'd thought and racking pain ! 
I stop and shudder when I think 
I'm verging on the fearful brink 
Of everlasting woe. 

With sadden'd heart alone I go, 
That those I love may never know 
Their unkind words have hurt me so. 
And when bevond their sidit and care 
My every thought and fervent prayer 
Will be that God those children spare 
From everlasting woe. 

For He alone can judge the heart, 
And may they gain that better part: 
No unkind thought within them dwell 
When I shall sav the sad farewell ! 
I'd rather brave the wintry blast 
Than feel my soul would sink at last 
To everlasting woe. 



POEMS. 3i~ 

With blinding tears and heart oppress'd 
I go I know not where to rest! 
Those cruel words, with withering blight, 
Have sunk my soul in darkest night! 
I pray to God that He will spare 
And save me from this dark despair, 
And everlasting woe. 



ADIEU, MY NATIVE LAND. 



Adieu, my native land! Farewell! 

I'll sail o'er the stormy sea ! 
And when in a distant land I dwell, 

You may, perhaps, remember me. 



I've lived to see each hope depart, 
And one by one life's joys decay: 

Friends once so dear unto my heart 
Are not the same to me to-dav. 



No cruel wrong will e'er dissever, — 
A mother's love will ne'er depart, 

But lives with life, and clings forever 
To every fiber of the heart. 



32 FOEMS. 

Almighty God, who keepeth ever 
Us in His everlasting care, 

Will not forsake us, and will never 
I^eave us in dark and drear despair. 

Let memory on the dreary past 
Some kindly thoughts bestow; 

And o'er unkindness at the last 
A friendly mantle throw. 

For I would flee forever, 
O'er land and stormy sea, 

To a happy home, where never 
Unkind words could come to me. 

But thee I will ever fondly love, 

Till at my Saviour's call 
I go unto my home above, 

Where God keeps watch o'er all. 

Time may pass till life is fled, 
And years go rolling round. 

Ere we rest in our narrow bed, 
Beneath the clay-cold ground. 

God may afflict whom He may love; 

Let us meekly bear the cross. 
Until we're called to our home above, 

Then we'll not feel life's loss. 



POEMS. 33 

We long for a place of peaceful rest, 
Free from every sorrow and care: 

In Heaven we may be with the blest, 
If we can only enter there. 

For our heavenly home we're sighing, 

x\nd struggling on in pain ; 
And with all our hearts we're trying 

Our Saviour's love to gain. 

Then let us banish sorrow, 

And flee from every care; 
There may be a brighter morrow. 

Then let us not despair. 

For darkening clouds may lower. 
And deepen into darker night; 

And every hope may perish. 
And leave our hearts in blight. 

A mother is surely fading, 

And passing fast away 
Unto that bright Hereafter 

Where is everlasting day. 

To loved ones I will bid good-bye. 
And on my lone journey go : 

Kind love to you until I die 
Is the best gift I can bestow. 



34 POEMS. 

And now the farewell is spoken : 
With tears and a heartfelt sigli, 

I leave this parting token — 
My love and a fond good-bye. 



SWEET ANNA. 



Sweet, black-eyed, gentle Anna, 
I will love you all my life; 

And in years that are to follow, 
You will be somebodv's wife. 

Near and dear to me forever, 

You are twin'd around my heart. 

I will cherish thy memory ever, 
Until we from this earth depart. 

We can not look into the future, 

And know the love in store for thee: 

But I trust a bright hereafter, 

And many happy years you'll see. 

For thee oft my prayers are wafted 
Up to God in heaven above. 

That He keep thee pure and holy. 
Fill thy heart with trust and love. 



POEMS. 35 

Bear up bravely, show him cahnly 
You can be as proud as he: 

For his love you did not ask it, — 
'Twas himself untrue to thee. 

Yet it grieves me one I loved so 

Should have caused a pang to thee: 

Gentle, loving, kind, and truthful, 
You should ever happy be. 

I trust I'll live on, gentle Anna, 
To see you yet a blushing bride: 

True hearts to love and caress you, — 
A devoted husband by your side. 

Mv sweet and oentle Anna, 
There is sorrow on thy brow. 

Throw it off! — the sun to-morrow 
Will shine just as bright as now. 

In years that are to follow, 

You may yet so happy be; 
And I trust forget thy sorrow, 

And kindly think of me. 



36 POEMS. 

FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING. 



I love thee, my friend, with the truest 
affection; 

Thv sympathy falls like a balm o'er the 
heart ; 

Thy friendship is lovely; thy kind dis- 
position 

Will brighten my life till from earth I 
depart. 

Oh, could I have met thee in happier 

moments, 
When this earth was so glorious, — too 

beauteous to last ; 
And this life was an Eden of loveliest 

promise ; 
Now 2;one from me forever ! Farewell to 

the past ! 

And left me in sadness and darkness to 

linger, 
Till call'd to my Maker not far o'er the 

way; 
Trusting ere my life's ended a light will 

yet glimmer, 
And brighten forever into beautiful day. 



POEMS. 37 

I have esteemed thee so highly since the 

hour I first met thee, 
The light of affection ever shone from 

thine eve; 
With trustins; devotion mav it ever con- 

tinue, 
Till called from this earth, and we say the 

2;ood-bve. 

Adieu, my sweet friend ! As our friendship 

is blended, 
May it brighten and beautify our lives 

here below ! 
When our lives shall be ended He on whom 

we depended — 
Our Saviour will welcome us when to 

Heaven we go. 



DO I LOVE THEE? 



Do I love thee? Go and ask the flowers 
If they love the sweet, refreshing showers. 

Do I love thee? Dost thou recall the time 
When first pressed to thy heart as thine ? 



SS POEMS. 

Do I love thee? Forget not the first kiss, 
When we thought our love was bliss. 

Do I love thee? Can we ever forget, 
Until our sun on earth has set? 

Do I love thee? Tongue can never tell 
How much I love thee, or how well. 

Do I love thee? Would you have me say 
My heart is thine till my dying day? 

Do I love thee? Oft in silent thought 
Thy image to my mind is brought. 

Do I love thee? Yes, as the miser his gold, 
Who hugs it closely, yet counts it untold. 

Do I love thee? Coldness rends the heart. 
And takes from love its better part. 

Do I love thee ? True love cannot be bought; 
My feelings are too deeply wrought. 

I will ever truly love thee, and thy love I'll 

ne'er resign ; 
While life may last my purest love shall be 

forever thine. 



POEMS. 39 

THE HEART'S AFFECTION. 



Oh, do not chill the heart's affection; 

Crush it not, but let it bloom 
And blossom ever, lest dejection 

Upon us fall and bring us gloom. 

Guard the heart, and do not wonder; 

Love, though buried in disguise, 
If once rudely torn asunder, 

Sadly, slowly, but surely dies. 

The freshness of the heart is buried; 

Lost and gone is love's young dream; 
The beauty of the being perish'd, 

With nought of joy doth life e'er teem. 

Moving on in lone deep sadness, 
Life's trials will with us remain; 

While on this earth no more of gladness 
Will brighten life; but leave us pain. 

Chills the heart-pulse beating ever; 

Earthly hope forever fled; 
Life's sun will now soon set forever, 

And we lie sleeping with the dead. 



40 POEMS. 

Ob, then, guard this tender feeling, 
Ere 'tis lost in darkest gloom; 

When the fond heart is love revealing, 
Oh, send it not to early doom. 

Oft from thoughtlessness of feeling 
Many a cherish'd loved one's idol 

Passes from us where no weeping 
Fills the heart ne'er given in bridal. 

There to meet, — await the coming 
Of the cherish'd love forbidden; 

Hearts will answer those so loving 
If not on earth will unite in Heaven. 



THEE, MY FRIEND. 



Thy little acts of kindness 
Have won for thee a place 

In my heart's pure affection. 
That time can ne'er efface. 

Until I pass forever 
Unto my home above, 

Memory will linger ever 
Around thy deeds of love. 



POEMS. 41 

In gentle accents tender, 

Kindly words and true, — 
An ever friendly welcome 

I have received from yon. 

Now let me thank thee kindly: 
Believe me thy true friend; 

On my friendship trusting ever, 
You may through life depend. 

If best wishes for thee ever 

Could thy days prolong. 
While on this earth forever 

This would be my song — 

God spare and lead thee gently 

Unto the living Truth; 
Keep thee pure and holy, — 

Guide thee in thy youth 

Unto that everlasting life 
Were all is peace and love. 

Free from care and earthly strife, 
To dwell with God above. 

And when you this brief life resign. 
And on earth no longer stay. 

In Heaven may your record shine 
As clear and bright as day. 



42 POEMS. 

MUSINGS. 



1 have thought my past life over, 
And look which way I may, 

I can not see before me 
The slightest dawn of day. 

Always to live thus lonely, 
Without one ray of light, 

And know I'm going deeper 
Into the darker night. 

Yet a voice is whispering ever — 
"Press onward, stricken heart! 

There's rest for you in Heaven, 
When from this world you part. 

Life can not be all sunshine; 

Take the bitter with the sweet; 
The joys of the Hereafter 

We can not here repeat. 

Perhaps 'tis well to suffer; 

'Tis well for us to wait 
Until we meet in Heaven 

At the golden gate. 



POEMS. 43 

NO, NEVER MORE! 



Farewell! — we are parted now!- 
On thy heart and on thy brow 
Is a shadow dark as night, 
Which doth all mv beino- blicrht: 
We may meet on earth no more. 
No, never more ! 



'Tis Avith grief I am amazed, — 
We coldly on each other gazed : 
W^hile dark shadows deepen o'er, 
We our lives must now deplore, 
And may meet on earth no more. 
No, never more ! 



Many a year may yet pass by 
Ere we're called from earth, and die. 
Then lift the sorrow from the heart 
Ere we from this world depart : 
We may meet on earth no more. 
No, never more ! 



44 POEMS. 

Each to go our separate way, — 
No more to meet till judgment-day ,- 
When, all grief and suffering o'er, 
No more our lives on earth deplore: 
We may meet on earth no more. 
No, never more. 



Farewell, then ! — a fond adieu ! — 
If I meet no more with vou, 
There's a home in Heaven above 
Will not shut out those whom we love, 
Where I may rest for ever more. 
Yes, ever more ! 



'Tis with grief and heartfelt sigh 
That I say the sad good-bye. 
When we live our lives apart 
The tear-drops oft for thee will start: 
We may meet on earth no more. 
No, never more ! 



POEMS. 45 

LIGHT AND DARKNESS. 



Light and Darkness, as I have heard say. 

Lived together for many a day, 

Li a lovely cot near the Great South Bay. 

Light was the elder by many a year; 
But Darkness to Light was yet very dear. 

It happened to Light to meet and to love 
One now gone to his home in Heaven above. 

Ere Darkness met him he was Light's lover; 
After their marriage Light's kind brother. 

Light wished them joy with an aching heart; 
For Darkness had gained her better part. 

Time passed on, and blessings were given — 
Innocent children, their souls in Heaven. 

"Suffer little children to come unto me," 
God said, and called them — one, two, three. 

Those dear little angels lent for a while, 
To cheer their hearts, to please and beguile. 



46 POEMS. 

Then a few more fleeting years roU'd round 
Of luxury and wealth in which they abound. 

Death then called upon Darkness to spare 
Her love — my love; — we are equal there. 

A few more years again passed by, 
The idol of her heart was called to die. 

How shall I describe that maiden fair, 
With love-lit eyes and auburn hair? 

With soul so lofty, her angelic face 
Ever shone forth with heavenly grace. 

The memory of that sweet girl's life 

Oft cheers my heart in this world of strife. 

In the first blush of youth God called away 
This blooming flower with Him to stay. 

Under this blow did Darkness quiver, 
Beneath the rod of God the giver. 

For conscience sake we hope she spent 
Some time in prayer, and did repent. 

Light often thought it made no impression, 
Darkness had not yet learned her lesson. 



POEMS. 47 

Darkness soon went on a trip of pleasure, 
With plenty of means and a son at leisure. 

Light met them on eve of their departure 
Across the seas to friends o'er the water. 

Ere the farewell between them was ended, 
Some talk about their mother was blended. 

Their mother was left to Light's kind care, 
For Darkness would not her pleasure spare. 

That trust was ever held sacred by Light, 
Who ever attended by day and by night, 

Faithful remained to death's dark portal, 
Leaving Light forever a sad lonely mortal. 

Darkness returned to the land of her birth, 
And found her mother no longer on earth. 

Her true feelings may be stated in brief, 
Remarking to Light that "it was a relief." 

Light patiently waited for Darkness' return, 
Their mother's affairs from her to learn. 

Light then might settle their mother's estate. 
And for Darkness' return did anxiously wait. 



48 POEMS. 

Sad was her heart, but Light will not forget 
Her sisterly love and her heartfelt regret. 

But Darkness declined to settle or pay 
The expenses incurred while she was away. 

Sad was the blow, and crushing the blight. 
So to Darkness I now will wish a good night. 

MY BIRTHDAY. 



I've lived to see another birthday, 
And would here on these pages say 
A few kind words in a pleasant way 

From mother. 

That you'll not forget, as years roll round, 
When hope and love with you abound, 
While sleeping 'neath a grassy mound, 

Thy mother. 

In one little corner of thy heart 
Let memory ever hold a part 
Of kind and gentle, tender thought 

Of mother. 



POEMS. 49 

Oft in hours of silent tliought, 
Love for thee no money bought 
Exalts and thrills the loving heart 

Of mother. 

Then when this world recedes from view, 
And I have said the last adieu, 
May nought but love then dwell in you 

For mother. 

I would not have you sadly weep 
When I am lying in death's sleep, 
There my own true vigils keep, 

Thy mother. 

Let tender thoughts of love arise 
When I am gone beyond the skies. 
There still may live in other eyes 

Thy mother. 

Another birthday should I ne'er see. 
Remember this all given to thee. 
And ever kindly think of me, 

Thy mother. 

With cold hands folded o'er the breast, 
And passed away to peaceful rest 
One that oft has' fondly thee caress'd, 

Thy mother. 



50 POEMS. 

When 5^011 shall say your last good-bye, 
You'll think of me when called to die. 
Who oft for you has breathed a sigh, 

Thy mother. 

Farewell, my darlings, one and all, 
I pray no harm may you befall 
Until you come, at God's last call. 

To mother. 



ALONE AND SO WEARY. 



Alone and so weary I pine for sweet rest; 
To mv bosom mv vounsrest so fondlv I've 

press'd ; 
Apart from this world I have one tender 

heart 
That loveth so fondly oft makes the tears 

start. 

Dear Mattie, my darling, when this brief 

life is past, 
Loving angels will bear thee to heaven at 

last. 
Remember, my darling, when I'm called to 

rest 
From this world-weary struggle, that I loved 

you the best. , 



POEMS. 51 

For you have never, darling, caused mother 

heart pain; 
And I trust that in beauty and love you'll 

remain. 
You have been my heart's comfort on many 

a day, 
When so earnestly to God my sad heart 

would pray — 



That grief so heart-rending might from me 

depart ; 
The wrongs heaped upon me were breaking 

my heart. 
When thou, dearest comforter, to my lone 

heart I press'd, 
Like a wounded dove nestling so close to 

mv breast. 



Sweet Mattie, my darling, a kind blessing 
given, 

So greatly thou hast smooth'd my pathway 
to heaven. 

Though deep griefs oppress me and sorrows 
may rend, 

On thy loving affection I could ever de- 
pend. 



52 POEMS. 

My darling, I love thee with all my true 

heart ; 
Dear to memory ever till from earth I 

depart. 
There my loving spirit will watch thee from 

above; 
Will guard thee so tenderly till I clasp thee 

with love. 

Farewell, my dear loved ones, when gone 

to mv God, 
Do not forget mother resting beneath the 

cold sod. 



ALONE THE HEART SPEAKETH. 



Alone the heart speaketh the answer to God, 
Ever the heart grieveth till under the sod. 
There is rest for the weary in heaven above. 
Where God will receive us with eternal love. 

Gladly I'd flee were this mortal life o'er, 
To the realms of bliss on eternity's shore. 
Alone and so weary the most hopeless strife 
To lighten the burthens of this mortal life. 



POEMS. 53 

But all of life's trials and heart-stricken woe 
Souls fit for heaven, where I trust I may go. 
I'm earnestly striving, and looking above 
To God to sustain me with heavenly love. 

But when I am resting beneath the cold sod. 
Think of me kindly when gone to my God 
To be finally judged, but conscience clear, 
Unto my God I will go without fear. 

I have laughed with the happy, and tried 

to be gay: 
All without avail, for grief hangs o'er the 

way. 
Deep heart-rending sorrow, like a funeral 

pall, 
Till the darkness of death casts a mantle 

o'er all. 



NIGHT THOUGHTS. 



Dear Mattie, my darling, ere I'm called to 

depart, 
Let me once more express the deep love of 

my heart. 
Your love is so constant to me day by day, 
O'er my sad life it sheds a beneficent ray. 



54 POEMS, 

Though others may wound with piercing 

keen dart, 
Your love pours a balm o'er the wounds of 

the heart. 
In the lone hours of the night I awake with 

the smart, — 
Tears flow from my eyes from the grief of 

my heart. 



Then I arise from my bed and think my 
life o'er. 

And write to mv darlin2;s ere on earth I'm 
no more. 

That dear ones may read long after I de- 
part, 

I love and forgive them though broken mv 
heart. 



In years that will follow, when little ones 

are press'd. 
If God should give them on her bosom to 

rest, 
Should they cause thee sorrow, fill thy heart 

with grief, 
And find nothing on earth can bring thee 

relief, — 



POEMS. 55 

Thou may'st think of me then; just kneel 

to thy God, 
Ask Him to' lift from thee the chastening 

rod, 
Fill thy heart with purity, kindness, and 

, love, 
That our spirits may mingle in Heaven 

above. 



PASSING AWAY. 



Passing away! Yes, gone forever more 
To that never-ending beautiful shore; 
With angels to welcome us with kind love, 
And dwell in our heavenly home far above. 

Passing away! But new beauties we find 
To beckon to heaven, and make us resign'd. 
Suffering and sorrow on earth are now past, 
Eternity awaits us, with sweet rest at last. 

Passing away into bright beaming day, 
With light everlasting to brighten the way. 
Triumphant faith and pureness of heart 
Redeem at last when from earth we depart. 



56 POEMS, 

Passino- awav ! Whv here should we stav 
x^nother world brightens with eternat day: 
Lighting the pathway beaming and bright. 
And leading us onward to eternal light. 

Passing away! Why linger we here. 
Amid all earth's trials with nothing to ciieer, 
And live dreary lives till at our God's call 
Death at last throws a kind mantle o'er all. 



TO BROTHER ALBERT. 



Do not lightly cast aside 
This simple little rhyme; 

But read it over carefully, 
When you have a little time. 

'Tis written you so earnestly,— 
Best wishes of my heart ; 

I would to you, if possible, 
Some little good impart. 

Brother, my only brother, 
A temper you must confess : 

Old Satan, how he troubleth, 
And robs us of our rest. 



POEMS. 57 

If any wrong you then forgive, 
Like our Saviour on the cross : 

You'll feel happier while you live, 
And in death will feel no loss. 

Short, at best, is this weary life, 

We soon will go to rest ; 
Then let us do away with strife, 

And we'll be forever blest. 

Throw aside all unkind feeling", 
'Twill only cause you pain; 

And will not help you ever 
The better life to gain. 

I think of you quite often, 

In sadness and in grief; 
And pray God that He will soften 

And bring thy heart relief. 

I feel you are worthy, brother, 
Of a happier life while here; 

Your heartfelt love for mother 
Oft draws the silent tear. 

When mourning in our sadness, 

For our lost mother dear, 
Let us hope on in gladness, 

That we may with her appear. 



58 POEMS. 

Don't you think our mother 
Is watching us with love? 

That God may bring us, brother, 
To a heavenly home above. 

A kind adieu, my brother; 

If on earth we no more meet, 
I trust we'll unite in Heaven, 

And there our mother greet. 

Welcomed by our heavenly Father, 
When this struggling life is past; 

Eternal rest in the Hereafter, 
Beautiful Heaven awaits at last. 



TO MINTIE. 



Thy kind voice was often whispering 
"Grandma, what can I do for you?" 

Don't you think our God was listening. 
And that He will reward you, too? 

Mother's sickness, groans, and moanings, 
Nearly rent our hearts in two; 

Mintie's kind voice oft was asking 
"Grandma, what can I do for you?" 



POEMS. 59 

Oft thy kind hand, soft and soothing, 
Wiped the damps of death away, 

With affection, kind and loving, 
For thy grandmother, dead to-day. 

Forever this deathbed recollection 
Will rush unbidden to our view: 

A place to test the heart's affection, — 
One stood by her kind and true. 

Sweet girl, thy love so true and tender, 
For thy grandmother now at rest; 

Such true affection I'll remember. 
Till I myself sleep with the blest. 

Asleep in God, unto life everlasting 

Her tried spirit passed away; 
We trust with her Maker resting, 

Until we meet at the last dav. 



HEART SORROW. 



I will love thee, yes, forever; 

Even though we are apart. 
And coldly treat thy mother, 

For vou're dear unto her heart. 



6o POEMS. 

Yes, nestled there so fondly, — J 
On my bosom husb'd to sleep; 

I've prayed to God so earnestly, 
My precious babe to keep. 

Sad thoughts are ever stealing, 
When 1 think of other days. 

When a darling little baby, 
I so loved thy cunning ways. 

And oft Avhen thee caressing, 
I thought whenever you grew 

To manhood, if you'd be as loving 
As mother was to you. 

But sadly thou art forgetting, 
As years go rolling by, 

Thy mother's heart is breaking. 
But I'll try to hush the cry 

That is welling up forever. 
And fills my" heart with pain. 

Then ever love thy mother, 

While she may on earth remain. 

Though sadly I am weeping, 
This grief I so deplore: 

Soon will I lie sleeping, — 
Yes, gone forever more. 



POEMS. 6i 

TO SISTER SARAH. 



I love to muse at the old hillside, 
Where oft we've sported in girlish pride, 
With brothers and sisters all so gay, 
Have whiled the weary hours away. 

Alas, how soon those blissful hours 
Have passed away like drooping flowers! 
And our dear mother from earth has gone; 
Come back, dear sister, we want you home. 

A sister's tears oft flow for thee, 
Whene'er I pray on bended knee, — 
My fervent prayers are wafted above 
To greet our mother with filial love. 

Ah me! the weary days pass by; 

No news from the spirit-world on high; 

While I am left dejected and lone. 

Come back, dear sister, we want you home. 

I feel the loss of our mother dear; 
This world to me is sad and drear, 
For earthly love is heartless and cold; 
'Tis bought and sold with silver and gold. 



62 POEMS. 

'Tis not such love my heart would crave; 
But a mother's love now cold in the grave. 
My sister, I'm ever longing for thee! 
Come back, dear sister, from over the sea. 



TO WILLIE. 



Willie, may thy life abound 
In every choicest pleasure; 

And ever mav thv heart be found 
True to thv lovino; mother. 



o 



Ever keep her memory near, 
Wherever you may wander; 

You'll never find one so dear . 
As thy own loving mother. 

Never grieve her tender heart: 
It mav not be much longer 

Ere you're call'd upon to part 
With thv own lovins; mother. 

Love her truly ere life's fled. 
That no regret may linger 

When within her clay-cold bed 
At last shall rest thv mother. 



POEMS, 63 

Then when the eve of life declines. 

And thou art called away, 
May thy light there brightly shine, 

In spirit-love with mother. 

Dear Willie, ere I bid adieu, 
I trust that von'll remember 

The one who penn'd these lines to yon, 
Thv own true lovino- mother. 



TO ANNA. 



Farewell, Anna, from my home 
You will pass unto another: 

May you never too far roam 
From thy own dear mother. 

Ever keep her memory dear, 
Wherever you may wander, — 

O'er hill or dale, no one so near 
As thy own gentle mother. 

When griefs oppress or sorrows rend, 
You'll find no one so tender. 

And truly loving till life may end, 
As thy own dearest mother. 



64 POEMS, 

Even though you dwell apart, 
Remembrance lingers ever 

Around the heart till you depart 
To meet thy darling mother. 

One short year has pass'd away, 
And vet it seems much lon2;er, 

Since you parted one sad day 
In Ireland from thy mother. 

Thy far-off home is ne'er forgot, 

Thy heart overflows — no wonder- 
To those you left on that lov'd spot 
In Ireland with thy mother. 

Oft as months and years roll round 
Thy tears for home will linger, — 

Bedim thine eyes till heart rebound 
With love for thv dear mother. 

And when thy journey's safely o'er, 
Thou anchored safe in harbor, 

You'll be so happy ever more, — 
Welcomed by thy dear mother. 

If while upon the surging sea, 
Crossing o'er the deep water, 

A passing thought you give to me, 
Pray to God thy Heavenly Father. 



POEMS. 65 

PASSING AWAY. 



Cold winter now is passing 
Away with all its gloom; 

Spring days will soon be coming, 
With flowers in all their bloom. 

Oh, could my sad heart brighten 
With the birds and lovely flowers 

That come to us to lighten 
And cheer our lonely hours. 



While dreaming on in sadness, 
With heart so grieved and lone, 

I will never more know gladness 
Till I reach my heavenly home. 

But flowers in all their brightness, 
And birds in all their glee. 

Can never more bring lightness 
Of heart and joy to me. 

Some hearts will grieve with sorrow 

When I am called awav. 
But the dawning of the morrow 

Will bring everlasting day. 



66 POEMS. 

This world is sad and dreary 

Till our struggling lives are past; 

But all who are sad and weary 
May find joy and rest at last. 



LITTLE BIRDIE. 



Little birdie, warbling sweetly, 
As thou flittest from tree to tree, 

Echoins; forth thv sons; so lovelv, — 
Beautiful birdie, I envy thee. 

At my window I sit lonely, 
Listening to thy carol sweet; 

Beauteous birdie, I would gladly 
Burst mv bondao;e and thee meet. 

And fly away where never sorrow 
Could cause me e'er again to weep; 

But happy song, both day and morrow, 
Ever follow till we sleep. 

Little birdie, warbling ever, 
In thy home upon the tree, 

It will comfort me forever, 

To listen to sweet song from thee. 



POEMS. 67 



LONGING FOR REST. 

Oh, had I the wmgs of a dove, 

I would fly forever away, 
Where neither sorrow nor love 

Could brighten or dim the way. 

Could I burst this bondage and flee 
To yon heavenly home above; 

'Tis so distressing to me 

Forever to live without love. 

This life is too short to live 

In continual family jar; 
Better let each of us strive 

To never let anything mar. 

Our pleasures and griefs here below 
Too briefly and quickly have fled; 

We should enjoy life as we go, 

For soon we shall lie with the dead. 

When eternity opes to our view 

May our record be bright and clear; 

Oh, then let us our lives renew. 
And 10 to our God without fear. 



6S POEMS. 

For a heavenly life above 

We are hoping forever to win. 

If we strive with patience and love, 
Surelv our Saviour will let us in. 

Then let us in peace depart 
To a far more genial home. 

In Heaven there'll be no heavv heart. 
No sorrows there to mourn. 

To that beautiful world of love 
Oh, may we be wafted afar; 

Away in the bright Heaven above 
May we find the door ajar. 

Then when God shall call us awav 
To a spiritual life of love, 

Oh, may we there unite some day 
In beautiful Heaven above. 

At last freed from all earthlv strife, 
And in Heaven with the blest, 

We'll not lament our present life, 
When with God forever at rest. 



POEMS. 6g 

LINES TO A FRIEND. 



Dear friend, I love thee truly; 

Ever may thy life abound 
In every choicest blessing 

On this earth to be found. 

Then, friend, now and ever, 

While I pen these lines to thee, 

Thou wilt forget me never, 
But oft remember me. 

And when I lie sleeping, 

Hands clasped across my breast, 
My heart no longer weeping, 

Having found its quiet rest. 

You'll read with eyes o'erflowing. 
Tears from thv 2:entle eve 

Will flow like rain in summer, 

Breaking 'neath the darkened sky. 

But soon the cloud will vanish. 
And joy to you'll appear; 

For you helped a soul in anguish. 
When all was dark and drear. 



yo POEMS. 

Bv soothino- words endearins; 

To a heart so sorely riven, 
You seem to me appearing 

An angel sent from Heaven 

To waft my spirit gently 
Unto that beautiful land, 

Where God in all His sflorv 
And our loving Saviour stand. 

I will love thee, friend, forever; 

May our friendship many a day 
Brighten and shed ever 

O'er our lives a pleasant ray 

Of sunshine to brighten ever 

Our pathway through this gloom. 

Leading to sweet home hereafter, 
And rest beyond the tomb. 

Then when the eve of life shall come, 
And from earth we pass away, 

Unto that beautiful land beyond, 
Where forever is light of day. 

This life is but a passing dream 
Of joys and sorrows given. 

Where we see but the faintest gleam 
Of our beautiful home in Heaven. 



POEMS. 71 



PROVIDENCE. 

'God moves in a mysterious way." 
We give thanks to Him and wonder 

Why sin here should have such sway 
Wh'en God is over yonder. 

This life is short, and God has taught 

On Him we should rely; 
If through love sin has been brought, 

He will punish by and by. 

Beware, ere the avenging hand of God 
Shall cause thy heart to quake: 

Repent, ere with the chastening rod 
God doth His vengeance take. 

Repair the wrong ere yet too late, 
Ere conscience may be stricken; 

For fear you fall from high estate, 
And can never enter Heaven. 

I wonder sinners go their way. 
And on earth should so prosper. 

The devil with them has full sway, 
To grab them up hereafter. 



72 - POEMS. 

Be sure thy sin will find thee out; 

Great sorrow will be thy portion; 
Oh, turn thy heart, then, right about. 

To thy true one's devotion. 

Let all false syrens go, through life; 

Love thine own, who, so forbearing. 
Tender and true has clung through strife. 

Though oft for thee despairing. 

Remember you may bruise the heart 
You once did fondly cherish; 

But never till life shall depart 
Will true love ever perish. 

HERE AND HEREAFTER. 



When every hope on earth has perish'd, 
And every joy in life has fled. 

We rest our hope on God our Saviour, 
Till sweetly sleeping with the dead. 

With cold hands folded o'er the bosom, 
The silent voice no more to speak, 

The soul ha.s passed unto its Maker, 
Its record there alone to seek. 



JPOEMS, 
TO WILLIE, 



Willie, may thy life be pure, 
In years as you grow older, 

And ever may thy love endure 
For thy loving mother. 

Ever keep her memory dear, 
Wherever you may wander; 

In after years none will appear 
So lovinsj as thv mother. 

When griefs oppress or sorrows rend. 
There's none so true and tender, 

So loving, fond, unto life's end, 
As thy own loving mother. 

Never grieve her tender heart, 
It may not be much longer 

Ere you're called upon to part 
With thy loving mother. 

Love her truly ere life's fled, 
That no regret may linger 

Around thy heart when with the dead 
Shall sleep thy loving mother. 



74 POEMS. 

May th}^ young life ever abound 
With joy and choicest pleasure; 

Thv lovincr heart ever be found 
True to thv lovins; mother. 

Then when the eve of life declines^ 
And thou art called away, 

May thy light there brightly shine, 
With thy loving mother. 

Dear Willie, ere I bid adieu, 
I trust that you'll remember 

Her who penn'd these lines to you, 
Thy own true loving mother. 



LONELY MUSINGS. 



I'm sitting alone this twilight hour, 
While thinking of the past. 

Once was mine a beautiful bovver, 
And I a merry country lass. 

It reminds us of our youth again, 
When pleasure led the way; 

While I so happy to remain 
In my father's cot by day. 



POEMS, 75 

From morn till eve the sweetest sound 

Of a happy, joyous life; 
The ringing laugh ere did resound, 

Ne'er marred by bitter strife. 

The twilight hours are now as bright, 
But there cometh no happy sound 

To fill the heart with fond delight, 
And with true joy rebound. 

God's mysteries we may never know, 

Or why he doth afflict; 
We only know 'tis ever so, 

And iur Father who directs. 

Only for a time this strife, 

Then this brief life will be o'er; 

And we shall find eternal life 
On von bright heavenly shore. 



ETERNALLY RESTING. 



Eternally resting, sweetly sleeping. 
Entered the pearly gates so bright, 

Sorrow ended, no more weeping, 
In thv beautiful home of light. 



76 POEMS. 

Thy pure spirit is wafted upward, — 
Gone unto its God who gave; 

Resting sweetly, we following onward 
To our rest beyond the grave. 

Beautiful thought! — thy life is ended; 

Never more tears can dim the eye. 
Thy gentle soul is forever blended 

With the ano-els above the skv. 

Although our hearts will mourn forever 
For our mother called away, 

We will cherish the fond hope ever 
To meet a2:ain at the last dav. 



SHE IS NOT DEAD. 



She is not dead, but sleepeth, — 
Gone to God who gave; 

Flowers around her bloometh, 
As they laid her in the grave. 

Only passed, not gone forever, 
Unto her heavenly home, 

To meet her loving Saviour, 
And left us on earth alone. 



POEMS. 77 

We miss thy face so kindly, 

In thv accustomed seat; 
Tliy gentle voice so sweetly 

Will never more us greet. 

Thy mission here is ended; 

Thy work on earth is o'er; 
Thy spirit-life is blended 

With an2;els forever more. 



TO ALIDA. 



Dear Alida, thy tender mother 
Left thee for the spirit-land; 

Gone unto her loving Saviour, 
There to join the heavenly band. 

Dry thy tears. A dutiful daughter 
Has no cause for one regret; 

If her heavenlv father calls her, 
He will never thee forget. 

Oft I've watched thy tender feeling 
For thy mother pass'd away. 

Well I know that in God's keeping 
Leaving thee so oft I pray 



78 POEMS. 

God to keep thee pure and holy, 
Fill thy heart with trust and love, 

Until thou anchorest safe and surely 
In thv home in Heaven above. 



THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE. 



By trials and afflictions 

We see our wav more clear; 

Our heart's best affections 
Are often buried here. 

When our earthly joys shall vanish, 
We'll hope for a future bright: 

When from this life we perish, 
Heaven opens to our sight. 

Beyond the smiling and the weeping, 
Where no sorrows dim the eye, 

Forever a welcome greeting 
Awaits us when we die. 

Oh, who would live and suffer 
In this fleeting world of pain? 

Let us go unto our Saviour, — 
With Him ever to remain. 



POEMS. 79 

WEEP NOT FOR ME. 



Weep not for me, when I am dead, 
And laid within my narrow bed; 
Shed not a tear o'er my lone bier, — 
With the trumpet-sound I shall appear. 

Weep not for me, but let me rest, 
With cold hands folded o'er the breast. 
Think how sweet my sleep will be, — 
Prepare for death, then follow me. 

Weep not for me; but pray to God 
That when thou liest beneath the sod. 
Thy troubles o'er and sorrows past, 
That we may meet in Heaven at last. 

Weep not for me; with heart oppress'd, 
I've longed so much for this sweet rest. 
Should sorrows ever rend thy heart. 
You'll wish, like me, from earth to part. 

Weep not for me, but save your tears; 
You'll need them all in after years. 
And many tears perhaps you'll shed 
Ere you lie sleeping with the dead. 



8o POEMS. 

Weep not for me, nor heave a sigh: 
Relieved of all my cares I die, 
And pass beyond this vale of tears. 
Where grief or sorrow ne'er appears. 

Weep not for me; but strive to live 
So that your God to you may give 
A peaceful life, with happy love, 
And meet at last in Heaven above. 

Weep not for me; the end of life 
Will end all sorrow, care, and strife. 
To each and all I bid adieu, 
Trustino- in Heaven to meet with vou, 

Weep not for me; my spirit love 
Will wait for you in Heaven above, 
Until the trumpet-sound is given. 
When we'll ao-ain unite in Heaven. 



PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD. 



'Prepare to meet thy God!" is sounding 
In my ears from morn till night. 

I well know my heart is longing 
With heavenly spirits to unite. 



POEMS. 8i 

Who would wish on earth to Hnger, 
When every joy in life has fled ? 

Left to live and suffer ever, 

Till resting with the sleeping dead. 

As we find this world receding. 

The beauty of Heaven doth unfold 

Unto our vision, ever leading 

Beyond this earth to joys untold. 

Oft our hearts may weep in sorrow, 
And deep regret; but still we pass, 

Here to-day, but where to-morrow? 
Our earthly life is fleeting fast. 

We go unto the unknown future, 

Far away and out of sight; 
The soul shall ever with its Maker 

In endless joy at last unite. 

We pass unto our Heavenly Father; 

Just beyond is a beautiful light 
Beckoning us onward to our Saviour 

Where no more is darken 'd night. 

Prepare to meet thy God, forever. 

When our mortal race is run. 
Let us hope that our hereafter 

May be like the rising sun. 



82 POEMS. 

MARRIAGE OF A YOUNG FRIEND. 



Marriage, sweet girl, sends a tlirill througli 

my heart 
AVhich the terrors of death could never 

impart. 
You give your young life to your husband 

to keep, — 
A jewel more precious than the wealth of 

the deep. 

May his love be as deep as the depths of 

the ocean, — 
May no sorrow e'er mar the heart's fond 

devotion; 
And may you ne'er be like a ship founder'd 

at sea, 
With no mate at the helm to watch over 

thee. 

May your lives ever glide on in pleasure 

complete; 
When from earth you depart in Heaven 

may you meet; 
And then ever together in the bright world 

above, 
May you be clasped in the embrace of 

eternal love. 



POEMS, ^Z 

OUR LITTLE RAYMOND. 



Our baby-love is sleeping 

In his little casket-bed. 
Do not grieve, — stop weeping: 

Leave him resting with the dead. 

Flowers bloom around his pillow; 

Their fragrance fill his bed. 
Our hearts are grieved with sorrow, 

For the dear one lying dead. 

Little angels now forever, 

In their home in Heaven above; 
To meet on earth again never, 

But trust in heavenly love. 

Mother, thv budding flower 

God has called away 
To dwell in his beautiful bower, 

Resting in Heaven to-day. 

Oh, who would live forever 
In this fleeting world of sin ? 

Our liome is waiting ever. 
And God will take us in. 



84 POEMS. 

The coming of the morrow 
May be our brighter day, 

Tlien who would live in sorrow, 
When we in Heaven may stay. 

By prayer and careful watching, 
Till our work on earth is o'er, 

Our home above is waiting, 

When we reach the heavenly shore. 

There will be friendly greetings, 

By lovely angel forms; 
There our loved ones are waiting 

Beyond this world of storms. 

There's balm for thy heart-sorrow 
In this lovely living trust. 

Let us everv comfort borrow 
Till we mingle with the dust. 

Our love for children ever 

Dwells within our heart: 
Mother-love can never 

Cease till we depart. 

Well I know the anguish — 
The bleeding heartfelt sore — 

That we can never banish 
Till at rest forever more. 



POEMS. . 85 

Our baby-loves are sleeping 

In their little grassy bed: 
Friends on earth are weeping 

For loved ones with the dead. 

When our earthly mission's over, 
And we sleep beneath the sod, 

In Heaven our friends discover, 
In the eternal home of God. 

Little Raymond now is watching 
At the pearly gate so white, — 

At Heaven's portal waiting, 
Till your spirits may unite. 

Be ready for the summons 

When your Maker calls away: 
There will be a glad re-union 



&' 



At the resurrection-dav. 



THE DEPARTED ONE. 



Only one short year has passed and fled, 
Forever that sweet face of thine. 

Pillowed so oft upon my breast, now dead! 
God willed it so, — why should I repine? 



S6 POEMS. 

'Tis hard to tear my soul apart from thine, 
For I had dreamed sweet dreams of thee; 

How can I lose thee and forever resign 
All in this life so dear to me. 

'Tis the will of God to suffer here below; 

To love and lose all that is dear. 
Then strussle on in sadness here and woe, 

To make our way to Heaven more clear. 

I feel thy power when sorrow ever 
Comes to me with withering blight; 

Thy remembra.nce leads my mind forever 
To thy heavenly home beyond my sight. 

Oft in whispers thy sweet voice above 
The cooling breeze of twilight hour I feel, 

And hear thy whispered vows of love, 
And fancy my arms around thee steal. 

But those happy days have forever passed, 
I feel what I have loved and lost; 

And long to lay me down and be at rest. 
Nor longer here upon life's billows toss'd. 

This little grassy mound holds all I love; 

Oft I strew fresh flowers upon thy grave; 
While thy sweet and pure spirit from above 

Will ever watch o'er mv soul and save 



FORMS. 87 

From dark despair, and gently lead 

Your love left only a little while behind 

To watch and pray, hoping some day indeed 
To mingle in beautiful spirit-love divine. 

The joys and pleasures of this earthly life 
No more can fill my soul with love: 

In the grave they're buried with my wife, 
Till we re-unite in Heaven above. 



LITTLE ALBERT. 



Little Albert, baby-love, 
Blossoming in thy home above; 
Filled with angels such as thee 
Beautiful Heaven is supposed to be. 

Hush, dear mother, hush thy weeping; 
God forever thy babe is keeping; 
All thy grief can ne'er restore 
Thy bright cherub ever more. 

Oh, so many hearts are sighing 
When their babv-loves are dvins;: 
LrOQ s mysteries never can dissever 
Baby-love from thine forever. 



88 POEMS. 

God holds the casket in His keeping; 
Sweetlv thv darlino- babv's sleepins;. 

"Suffer little children to come unto me," 
Our Saviour said. He will watch over thee. 

Leading thy pathway to life immortal, 
Thy baby awaits thee at Heaven's portal. 

Restins; so sweetlv in his little casket-bed. 
Love and leave him with the dead. 

Then when the trumpet-sound is given, 
Hope to meet thy babe in Heaven. 



THE DEATH OF lONE. 



As I looked within the casket. 
At the lovely sleeper there. 

And thought of her hereafter, 
Who did for Heaven prepare. 

Her face was so angelic. 
To see her was to feel 

Her pure spirit was in Heaven, 
At our Saviour's feet to kneel. 



POEMS. 89 

Then, mother, trust your daughter 
Will be waiting there for thee, 

To welcome you to Heaven 

When from this life you're free. 

I can see a light of glory 

Around her angel form, 
As she welcomes you, her mother, 

From this bleak world of storm. 

And father, too, and brother. 
She'll we watching for above; 

Awaiting you in Heaven, 

With outstretched arms of love. 

And Alice, her only sister, 
Will not be forgotten there. 

If she trusts in her Redeemer, 
With heartfelt, earnest prayer. 

Then do not grieve, kind mother, 
That lone has gone before. 

To wait for you in Heaven, 
On the bright, eternal shore. 

Be cheerful, mother, ever, 
And happy while you may; 

For you'll surely meet your darling 
At the resurrection-day. 



go POEMS, 

THOUGHTS ON DEATH. 



This life for me is nearlv o'er, 
I see beyond the shining shore, 
Where I may rest forever more, 
In that bright world above. 

Oh, take me home, my God, I pray, 
I would not in this cold world stay, 
'Tis such a dark and drearv wav. 
And such bright Heaven above. 

Soon I'll sleep my last long sleep, 
The sleep that knows no M^aking, 

And pass forever from your sight. 
Like the dawn gently breaking. 

And when you these lines may read, 
Think how soon that we shall be 

Calmly sleeping with the dead, 

Then you perhaps will think of me. 

I feel old age is creeping o'er me. 
And here I would not strive to stav; 

I know my God is beckoning onward 
To prepare me for the coming day. 



POEMS. 91 

May your life glide peacefully onward 

Unto that everlasting day; 
And you, sweet girl, meet me iii Heaven. 

When from this earth we pass away. 



SLEIGHING, 



The bells are merrily ringing, 
There's snow upon the ground, 

The sun is brightly shining, 
And all seems joy around, 

I muse upon the happy time 
When I was young and gay; 

Manv fondlv thought of me, — 
Would take me in their sleigh. 

But now old age is o'er me, 
They quietly pass me by, 

And seek those who are fairer, 
And vouncrer than am I. 

I could enjoy the sleighing 

As much as the young and gay; 

But young folks think their elders 
Have already had their day. 



92 POEMS, 

With heartfelt sigh I'll stay at home. 
And for the young folks pray 

That thev mav now eniov their lives. 
For youth will soon pass away. 

However, I will not murmur. 

For it is the will of God 
That I should feel thus lonely, 

And I bow beneath His rod. 



A PRAYER ON THANKSGIVING DAY. 



Oh, give me strength. Father, I pray, 
To see my path in this dark day! 
Oh, give me wings, and let me fly 
To the brio-ht realms bevond the skv. 



'&' 



This earthly life is so lone and drear 
That death to me would sweet appear. 
I pray that God who rules on high 
Mav take me home when I shall die. 

Gladly from this world I'll flee. 
Feeling a perfect trust in Thee. 
Almighty ruler, God of love, 
Take me home to Heaven above. 



POEMS. 93 

LONGING FOR REST. 



Oh, Father, dear Father, look down upon 

me, 
And take thy poor child up to Heaven 

with thee. 
I am asking and wishing and longing for 

rest; 
Dear Jesus, do take me to Thy home with 

the blest. 

As I think of my life and my desolate 

home, 
My thoughts go forth in deep anguish to 

roam, 
Fm wishing and longing, if such it might 

be, 
That I soon may be safely in Heaven with 

Thee. 

The days of my youth have long since 

passed away; 
Old age is coming o'er me, and what does 

it say? 
To look upward and onward, and earnestly 

pray 
That the troubles of this life may soon pass 

awa)^ 



94 POEMS. 

LOVE, WHAT IS IT? 



Love, what is it? An exquisite feeling, 
Beautiful only if a lifelong dream. 

Later in life we may not possess it: 
Life is the happier as it may seem. 



Love if forsaken the heart maybe breaking; 

Joys if once lost we can never redeem. 
Though we may strive to gain Cupid's favor, 

Forever gone from us is love's lost dream. 



Love, as it should be, each one caressing, — 
True to each other,with fondest devotion, 

No shadow of doubt to mar the affection, — 
Is not this ideal love's truest emotion? 



Heavenly love! — oh, may we possess it, 
And go from this world to mansions above. 

Earthly love can not compare with the joys 
Of our Heavenly Father's protecting love. 



POEMS. 95 



DEATH. 

Death! — what is it? Why do we shudder 
To meet the grim monster face to face? 

'Tis ever with us, — we can not escape it; 
Ere long we'll be in Death's cold embrace. 



If only ready to" meet the dread summons 
When God may call us to mingle with dust, 

And feel our hearts pure, sins all forgiven, 
Awaiting our reward in Heaven with trust. 



This subject on which we too seldom reflect, 
Hoarding up wealth to harden the heart. 

Death comes at last in all his dark terrors. 
Shrieking we bid the grim monster depart. 



But 'tis too late! Death's icy cold fingers 
Clasp us already tight round the heart: 

Prayers nor riches will not then avail us 
In the dread hour when called to depart. 



96 POEMS. 

TO MY SISTER, 

ON THE DEATH OF HER DAUGHTER. 



Do not grieve for Gertie, 

Though she has passed away; 

For she has gone to Heaven, 
With the ano;els there to stav. 



Dear sister, trust in Jesus, 

As vour Gertie did while here: 

She will welcome you to Heaven 
When from earth you disappear. 



Ever think of her an angel 
In that better world above, 

To welcome you, her mother. 
With outstretched arms of love. 



Then throw away all sadness, — 
Be cheerful while you may; 

For you'll surely meet your darling 
At the resurrection-day. 



POEMS, 97 



SPRING. 

The sun is shining, — birds are singing, — 
Everything seems bright and gay; 

But to me this world is di»eary, 
And I long to pass away. 

Spring has come with all its brightness; 

The birds now flit from tree to tree; 
Whv should mv heart be so lonelv? 

From earth to Heaven I w^ould flee. 

With the Spring bright days are coming, 
Tovs lost to me forever more: 

All my hopes are now in Heaven 

To meet with loved ones sone before. 



A THOUGHT. 



Who can know the spirit's yearnings? 

Who can into the future see? 
When our work on earth is over, 

Happy in Heaven we may be. 



98 FOEMS. 

LIFE AND DEATH. 



My weary life is almost o'er, — 

Yon bright Heaven stands in view: 

No more pain, and no more sorrow, — 
Loved friends on earth I bid adieu. 

Welcome death, and all beyond it: 
From this earth I long to flee. 

What is life? A living sorrow! 
What is death? I trust in Thee. 



REMEMBRANCE. 



Ah, well do I remember. 

For how can I forget 
One moonlight eve of summer 

When first by chance we met 
On the loveliest isle that sparkles 

In our own blue native sea, — 
'Tis a chain that binds me ever 

To loving thoughts of thee. 



POEMS. 99 

REST AT LAST. 



Rest at last, your sufferings o'er; 
You see bevond the shinins; shore 
Where you may rest forever more, 
In that briaht world above. 



o 



Our Saviour whom you now may see 
Has given His precious life for thee; 
And by your faith and trust in Him 
Has taken you from this world of sin. 

You're safe at home and happy there, 
And did with trust for Heaven prepare: 
I feel you're safely landed there, 
With perfect trust and love. 



MY PRAYER. 



I shrink beneath life's chilling blast, 
And now, oh, God, I crave, at last, 
Thy help and Thy protecting care. 
Ne'er withheld when asked in prayer 
Thou who see'st the sparrow's fall. 
Oh, leave me not, bereft of all. 



loo POEMS. 

When life became a cheerless blank, 
Beneath dark and deep waves I sank, 
I raised m}^ voice with anxious cry — 
Receive me, Lord, when I shall die. 

When griefs oppress and sorrows rend. 
Only on Thee we may depend: 
My every hope and constant prayer — 
God save me from my dark despair. 
In Thou alone I'll put my trust 
Until I mingle with the dust. 

I care not what the world may say. 
To Thee devoutly I will pray 
That Thou wilt wash my sins away. 
Ever in Thee, with fervent prayer, 
I'll trust for Thy protecting care. 

I pray for help from Thee above, 
For still Thou art a God of love. 
No taunt or wrong will ever more 
Cause me again to feel heart-sore. 
I'll leave this unkind world and flee 
Away and shield myself in Thee. 



POEMS. loi 

GO, FALSE DECEIVER. 



Go, false deceiver, 2:0 thv wav: 
We'll meet again at judgment-day. 
You won my heart to throw it by, 
And cause me ever more to sigh. 

I believed thee ever good and true, 
And gave my heart in trust to you. 
I loved too well, and wrecked my life 
Through thy false vows; and mortal strife 
Is tearing my body and soul apart: 
Gladly would I from earth depart. 

Whenever you look upon my face. 
Saddened forever, no joy you'll trace. 
You know who caused this terrible sin. 
And wrecked a life all pure within. 
Alone to meet the withering blast. 
My blighted life is failing fast. 

Dost thou not think an avenging God 
Will overtake thee, ere beneath the sod ? 
Then if God should vengeance take, 
And make thy heart with fear to quake, 
Dost thou not fear sinners such as thee 
May never peace or happiness see ? 



I02 POEMS. 

And when upon their dying bed. 
Be haunted by the deeds they did. 
And when the damps of death close o'er. 
Nor peace nor hope for ever more, 
The wrath of their offended God 
Will reach them e'en beneath the sod. 



BURYING-GROUND MUSINGS. 



Why mourn we for departed friends? 
When dead life's joys and sorrows end. 
If only ready to meet our God, 
We need not fear beins; under the sod. 

Thoughts while I these graves explore 
Of so manv loved ones crone before: 
My father and mother, brother dear, 
And many others resting here. 

Their immortal spirits watching above 
To welcome us with heavenly love 
Whenever our Maker calls 'US home 
To dwell with Him and forever to roam 
The beautiful land of golden light 
In Heaven above where all is bright. 



FOEMS. 103 

Soon our mortal race is run, — 
Our work on eartli forever done. 
The churchyard has for me a charm: 
No fear have I of grief or harm. 

I have prayed for death in its darkest form, 
To relieve me from this world's cold storm 
So cruelly beating o'er my poor head, 
Till forever at rest with the sleeping dead. 

Why should we in this dark world stay? 
In Heaven there shines eternal day. 
Oft I ask of God, in sore distress. 
How long ere He will give me rest. 

My sorrows all ended, I gone to my God, 
I long for this quiet beneath the green sod. 
Tread softly, my loved ones, over my head, 
While gazing upon my calm and quiet bed. 



DEAD LOVE. 



It comes too late, that smile alluring; 

Too late for me the smothered sigh; 
The love is dead, so long enduring, 

For one who passed me coldly by. 



I04 POEMS. 

Too late to bridge the deep gulf over; 

Closed the floodgate to the heart; 
There is a grief too deep for weeping, 

Where never more the teardrops start. 

Think not the void within my heart 
Can be filled with golden treasure: 

The gift of love might do a part 
To bridge this deep gulf over. 

Years of agony have chilled a heart 
Love long for thee enduring. 

Now rent apart no teardrops start 
O'er the grave of this lost feeling. 

Sorrows turn the heart to stone, — 
Leave it bleeding, rent asunder. 

Griefs that let no teardrops start 
Have left me of that number. 

Memory dwells o'er the happy past: 
Oft fancy there would linger; 

Heart would leap, and love repeat; 
Alas, now fled forever! 

Then wonder not, for every heart 
Sooner or later may discover 

It was not well to tear apart 
Love once lost is lost forever. 



POEMS, 105 

TO LOUISE. 



Thy tender love for thy father last niglit 
Has won my heart unto you, quite. 
May he ever, sweet girl, highly prize 
The love that shone in thy bright eyes. 

May you ever be thus kind and true 
To a father so truly devoted to you. 
You'll never find on this earth below 
More true a heart to love you so. 

Should sorrow ever thy heart oppress, 
Your father would never love you less: 
Then a gentle mother's tender care 
Will follow her children everywhere. 

Dear girl, who, having so many to love, 
Till God shall call thee home above, 
Be gentle, loving, kind, and true, — 
A blessing to those who are loving you. 

May they long be spared in tender love. 
If God should call them to rest above, 
May He soften the blow to thy tender 
Until you from this earth depart, [heart. 



io6 POEMS. 

May your life be joyous, beautiful, bright, 
Few clouds o'ershadow thy pathway light. 
May the beauty of thy heart remain, 
Until at last you heaven gain. 

Farewell, dear girl: these lines by me 
Are written in kindest love to thee. 
Adieu, and may you happy be; 
And sometimes kindlv think of me. 



TO ANNA ROBERTS. 



Forget not, Anna, as years roll round, 
Thv kind and lovinsf mother. 

Lips can not utter a sweeter sound: 
Wilt thou ever this remember? 

Mine has passed from earth away, — 
My own, my darling mother; 

But I hope to meet some day, 
In spirit-love, remember. 

Thou 'It not forget we're growing old, 

And ever love thy mother: 
Never let thy heart grow cold, — 

'Twould grieve her, thou'lt remember, 



POEMS. 107 

Now that her youth has pass'd and fled, 
Ever cherish thy loving mother. 

Should any unkind word be said, 

'Twould grieve her, thou'lt remember. 

We all possess a tender heart, 
And fondly love our mother. 

Bitter wrongs rend love apart, — 
Joy thrills the heart, remember. 

When coldness chills a loving heart, 

We flee unto our mother; 
Though it takes from love its better part, 

We grieve while we remember. 



&' 



Beneath any crushing weight of woe, 
Those who have a loving mother 

To cheer them under the cruel blow, 
She'll cling to us, remember. 

Adieu, sweet Anna, fare thee well. 

Let us love and cherish mother. 
Forget me not. No pen can tell 

How much we love, remember. 



io8 POEMS. 

TO A FRIEND. 



On thv smilinor face I can trace 
A beauty fresl:i and rare, — 

That memory never can efface. - 
How shall I this declare? 



I only know a beautiful rest 
Comes over this lonely heart 

When I enter thv home so sweet. 
And leaves me when I depart. 



Thv earthlv home is lovelv, friend; 

May no sorrow ever blight; 
While you on our God depend, 

With loved ones you unite. 



This life is but a passing dream, 
To joys and sorrows given, 

Affording but the faintest gleam 
Of peace and rest in heaven. 



POEMS. 109 

THE LADY AT THE BALL. 



Reflections at the Grand Union Ball, 
Saratoga, 1879. 



Dear lady, amid the festive scenes to-night, 
Thoudits come o'er me while I write: 
When looking upon thee smiling with glee, 
I tlioiight thou must so happy be; 
Never dreaming thy heart ached so within, 
Caused by another's terrible sin. 

While listening to thy tale of woe, 

It touched my heart with sadness so. 

This life is but a passing dream; 

We smile at its follies, and happy seem; 

But the aching heart God sees within; 

We would live our lives all free from sin. 

God afflicts those He loves, we know not why: 
It will all be revealed after we die. 
Oft we may weep and draw the deep sigh: 
Little the world knoweth how bitter the cry 
Goeth up to our God in heart-stricken woe, 
While sorrows oppress as through life we go. 
Our griefs will be over when this life is past, 
If we are faithful our reward comes at last. 



no POEMS. 

THE DEATH OF LULU. 



Lulu's at rest in the arms of her Saviour, 
Who said, "Suffer little children to come 
unto me." 
Sweet bud of bright promise resting so 
sweetly 
With Jesus in glorious immortality. 

Transplanted to Heav-en this bud of sweet 
beauty 
Ere blossomed on earth to a full bloom- 
ing flower; 
Its perfume and beauty fill the portals of 
Heaven, 
Around the briij;ht throne in its beautiful 
bower. 

God's mysteries, mother, we may never 
discover, 
Till called from this earth where all is 
revealed; 
While resting our faith in our kind, gentle 
Saviour, 
Our trust in sweet Heaven forever is 
sealed. 



POEMS. Ill 

There with dear Lulu, your bright little 
cherub, 
Your spirits will mingle in Heaven's own 

United forever, your light ever shining. 
And nothing obscuring your vision all 
bright. 

Be happy, kind mother, though Lulu's de- 
parted; 
Never let vour sweet eves overflow with 
sad tears; 
Take up the cross meekly: the crown will 
be brighter, 
When called from this earth and eternity 
appears. 



A WISH. 



I wish for thee, mother. 

With the kindest affection, 
Long years of true happiness, 

And beautiful love, 
From all the beloved ones 

That around you do mingle, 
Trusting devoted affection, 

And love from above. 



112 POEMS. 

FAREWELL TO LIZZIE. 



Farewell, Lizzie; across the ocean 
Thou hast gone a mother to greet; 

Proving thus a child's devotion, 
Lonsinsf loved ones home to meet. 



'& 



Wishing a safe and pleasant journey 
Across the billows o'er the sea. 

Until thou anchorest safe and surely 
In old Ireland home to thee. 

We miss thy faithful service ever: 
Oft remembrance brings to mind 

Deeds of kindness live forever, — 
We'll ne'er another Lizzie find. 

And I know a welcome greeting 
Awaits thee o'er the deep blue sea. 

Warm hearts there await thy coming 
In old Ireland home to thee. 

Farewell, Lizzie; may God our Saviour 
Keep thee in His tender care; 

Bear thee gently to thy mother, — ^ 
This will be our earnest prayer. 



POEMS. 113 

God bear thee safely on thy journey 

While upon the surging sea, 
Until thou'rt anchored safe in harbor, 

In old Ireland home to thee. 



LINES TO A FRIEND. 



Ah, well do I remember 
When you and I first met: 

It was bitter cold, and winter. 
For how can we forget? 

It was bitter, bleak, and dreary; 

We were following to the grave 
A dear kind friend and lovelv, — 

God gave and He will save, 

Thev laid her to rest so tenderlv, 
To sleep in her cold bed, — 

While weeping friends then sadly 
Left her with the quiet dead. 

Only her frail body reposing 
Beneath the snow-clad ground,- 

Her glorified, beautiful spirit, 
We trust her Saviour found. 



114 POEMS. 

EDNA CLAIR. 



Edna Clair is a darling, — 
A precious little pet; 

A tender flower blossoming, 
We can ne'er forget. 

Edna Clair is beautiful, — 
Every one must admire. 

May she ever be dutiful, 
And all that you desire. 

Edna Clair is loving. 
Gentle, lovely, and true: 

May she prove a blessing 
Ever, mother, to you. 

Edna Clair, kind father, 
God hath given to thee: 

Teach her to love her Saviour, 
That she may happy be. 

Edna Clair, sweet baby, 
Grandma bids adieu. 

Some day, little beauty, 
I may meet with you. 



POEMS, 115 

TO MY NIECE. 



Around the dying bed of mother 
Oft my heart went out to thee, 

With a fervent wish to Heaven 
That thou'lt ever remembered be. 

Yours a love so true and tender, 
With no eye but God to see; 

And I trulv felt thv kindness, — 
Thou wilt ever remembered be. 

Thv fond affection for o-randmother 
Was so beautiful to me, — 

While I thought of thee so often, — 
Thou wilt ever remembered be. 

We will ne'er forget thy goodness, 
Nor will God in whom you trust: 

Always be thus kind and gentle 
Till you mingle with the dust. 

I pray God to keep thee ever 
Pure and holy in His love, — 

Safelv anchored in His harbor, 
When you pass to Heaven above. 



ii6 POEMS. 

FRIENDSHIP. 



TO A DEAR FRIEND IN HER SICKNESS. 



If the friendship I bear thee 

Can brighten thy toil, 
Or help thee to bear it, 

In this world of turmoil: 

Though dark be the day. 

Yet a briii^htness mav crlimmer 

To lighten thy way 

To bright Heaven forever. 

With patient resignation, 

And trust in His love, 
Thou'lt reach thy destination 

With angels above. 

Although darkness may linger, 
The bright day will come. 

And shine o'er thy pathway 
When life's work shall be done. 

Thy toils and afflictions 

Are so gently leading, 
Sayeth our Father in Heaven 

Come all ye heavy-laden. 



POEMS. 117 

THE OLD PEAR-TREE. 



Oft I've mused in girlhood, 
Beneath the old pear-tree, 

Of blissful days in the future, 
When somebody's love I'd be. 

My memory often lingers 

O'er the days when I were free, 

Believing joy would last forever, 
And somebody's love I'd be. 

Life then was sweet and happy, — 
Oft remembrance brings a sigh: 

In youth I dwelt so fondly, — 
On somebody's love I'd' rely. 

That dear one's love I cherish'd, 
Thought of under the tree, — 

Fled years ago, — it perish'd,— 
That somebody's love for me. 

Alas! I am near forgetting 

^ How quickly bright hours do flee. 
I'm aged now, though trusting 
Yet somebody's love I'll be. 

But I will e'er remember, 

There's bitter with the sweet: 

With faith in the great Hereafter,— 
There my Saviour's love to meet. 



ii8 POEMS. 

IN MEMORY OF MRS. W. E. HORWILL. 



Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 

An angel thou art now, — 
With a harp within thy hand, 

And a crown upon thy brow. 

Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 
Laid away in peaceful rest, — , 

Thv cold hands folded o-entlv 
Across thy clav-cold breast. 

Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 

Thy many deeds of love 
Are recorded up in heaven, 

And thou'lt reap thy reward above. 

Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 
Full oft our hearts will weep. 

God eternal up in heaven 
Will thee ever safely keep. 

Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 
Thy pure spirit, robed in white, 

Enter'd into the life immortal, 
There with angels to unite. 

Thou art gone, but not forgotten: 
Gone to join the chosen band, — 

At thy Father's feet now sitting. 
Crown on brow and harp in hand. 



POEMS. 119 

DEATH OF BERTHA SHULTZ. 



Thy gentle spirit has taken flight 
To the reahns of angels on his-h; 

Fled forever from our sight, — 
Farewell, sweet Bertha, good-bye. 

Child of promise, — sweetest beauty, — 
With us on earth though short thy stay, 

To know thee was to love thee dearly, — 
Too soon, alas! thou pass'd away. 

Cherish'd one of fond affection, 

Even thouo;h our hearts mav break, 

We'll bow beneath this sad affliction, 
God who gives at last will take. 

Though 'tis hard to learn the lesson, 
We'll bear it meekly: if we win. 

By and by the gate will open. 
To admit our souls within. 

Memory throws a mantle over 

Beauteous Bertha robed in white, — 

Watching at God's portal ever, 
Waiting with lov'd ones to unite. 

Mother,our hearts are griev'd with sorrow, 

Over thy irreparable loss: 
Here to-day, but where to-morrow? 

The reaper, Death, will claim at last. 



I20 POEMS. 

Gone, sweet Bertha, budding flower: 
God hath call'd thee to His fold, 

Transplanted safely to His bower, 
Thv sweetest beautv to unfold. 

Unto thv Father's love forever, 

Farewell thou beautiful beaming light, 

Although Ave miss thee, and shall ever, 
We say "God bless thee, "darling bright. 

GRANDMA'S SOLILOQUY. 



There is Nellie and Lulu, 
And Eddie so sweet, — 

Too lovely they are 
For my pen to repeat. 

Sweet little darlings, 
Their love is so true. 

With clinging devotion. 
Fond mother, to you. 

While father so loving, — 
So highly doth prize, ^ 

With tender affection, 
He can now realize 

The true beauty of life 
Is to cherish with love 

His children and wife, 
Till God calls above. 



POEMS. 121 

BEAUTIFUL LIGHT. 



Tlie beautiful light heavenward 
Is no more obscured from view: 

The Master is beckoning on ward, - 
There is work for me to do. 

I'll take up the cross and follow, 
Isolated from those I love; 

Bid adieu to grief and sorrow 
Till I rest in Heaven above. 

Then when my work is over, 

I'll silently glide away. 
Home to a loving Saviour, 

Where all is brioht as dav. 



LOVE THEE. 



Love thee? Yes, while life doth linger, 
Around our pathway blending ever, 
Two hearts united, our loves are plighted, 
\\niile on earth we are united. 

Coldness nor wrong can e'er dissever 
My heart from thine, — 'twill love forever: 
Around our very life and being 
Closest ties of love are twining. 
Weaving there a home of beauty, 
Where to love is our true duty: 



122 POEMS. 

Then our hearts would never wander, 
Nought on earth could e'er be fonder. 
For each other our loves are blended, 
Until on earth our lives are ended. 

This is love, with Heaven's blessing, — 
Each ever true and fondly caressing,— 
Until we pass from earth away, 
To re-unite in Heaven at a future day. 



TO BELLE. 



I could not close this little book 

Without for thee some kindly feeling; 

While o'er these pages you may look, 
My love for thee I am revealing. 

And when I gaze upon thy face, 

And meet affection there so tender,— 

A gentle loving heart I trace, 
That forever "I'll remember. 

My friend, thou hast within thyself 
One of God's best blessings, — ' - 

A pure heart within thy breast, — 
So loving, fond, and trusting. 



POEMS. 123 

Long years ago, since first we met, 
Among my friends you number, — 

A dear loved one I'll ne'er forget, 
But fondlv e'er remember. 



ADIEU,MY FRIEND. 



Adieu, my friend, the tear of sorrow 
Dims the eye, and we must weep; 

For you are leaving, and to-morrow 
Will be upon the briny deep. 

When the billows roar around thee, 

Fear not for thy little band: 
God guides and saves upon the sea. 

As well as rules upon the land. 

May God in loving mercy ever 
Abide with you upon the sea; 

And conduct thee safely to the harbor, 
Where kind friends may welcome thee. 

Adieu, my friend, a short time only, 
Ere vou're welcomed home as^ain 

■J O 

By true hearts that prize you truly, — 
Still in our friendship you'll remain. 



124 POEMS. 

IDA IN HEAVEN. 



Oft thy beauteous saintlike face 
Shines o'er mv lonelv wav, — 

O'erwhelms ray soul while I trace 
Thee a spirit in Heaven to-day. 

And while I thus enraptured gaze 
On thy lovely face, I'm weeping, — 

Remember'd days, and thy loving ways, 
While thou in death art sleeping. 

In fancv oft I see thee vet: 

Ever thy sparkling eye of blue 

Reflecting light and love upon 

The friends whom once thee knew. 

And oft in fancy now I paint 

Thy many acts of love; 
Thy angelic life without restraint 

Was meant for Heaven above. 

Now thou hast joined the angel band, 
Though friends on earth are grieving; 

With crown on brow and harp in hand, 
Thy reward in Heaven receiving. 



POEMS. 125 

LITTLE DAISY. 



Little Daisy, transplanted above, 
To bloom in the garden of heavenly love: 
Too lovely for earth, God called her away, 
Home with the angels forever to stay. 

'Tis a beautiful thoudit: thv Daisvnot here, 
But waiting in Heaven till you may appear. 
Freed from this earth and all bitter strife, 
And meet vour embrace in everlasting life. 

Take comfort, beloved ones; your loss is 

her gain. 
Gone her pure spirit in Heaven to remain. 
A beautiful thought, when this life is o'er, 
Lov'd ones will welcome on Heaven's bright 

shore. 

Little Daisy, ere from earth passed away, 
Threw up her arms to her mother to say 
Receive me in heaven, our beautiful home. 
Where we together with angels may roam. 

So this sweet child from earth passed away, 
Fled her sweet spirit with the angels to stay. 
God has received her in Heaven above, 
To bloom in His garden of beautiful love. 



126 POEMS. 

THY SPARKLING EYE. 



Thy sparkling eye and soul-lit face 
Shine on my heart with heavenly grace. 
The beauty of thy face divine 
Will live in mv heart in future time. 

I feel, sweet one, I could resign 
All dear in life to be ever thine, — 
In winter's cold or summer's heat 
Could worship ever at thy feet. 

The ecstasv mv heart doth thrill, — 
With all mv soul I love thee still. 
Gently thy tender love sublime 
I earnestly pray may yet be mine. 

Around thee all seems beauteous love, 

Fittincr mate for angjels above. 

Yet linger in this world below, 

I pray thee, dear one, I love thee so. 

Oh, turn those beauteous eyes on me; 
Let me once more thy love-light see. 
Little Cupid has touched the heart, — 
I will love thee, dearest, till death us part. 



POEMS. 127 

THOSE BEAUTEOUS EYES. 



Those beauteous speaking eyes of thine 
Bespeak a soul of love divine. 
Had I a dear one such as thee 
I'd bow me down on bended knee 
Unto my God, and thus declare 
My fervent love, in earnest prayer 
That He may keep thee ever true 
To thy dear mother devoted to you. 

Within thy home may true love abide. 
And when thou art a blushing bride, 
May thy husband prove kind and true, 
And worthy of a prize like you. 

We only need look on thy face, — 
There we may true beauty trace. 
Those eyes so tender and so sweet 
Doth us with friendly welcome greet. 

A power of love within them lie, — 
The lovely tint of the azure sky. 
Those sweet bright eyes of heavenly hue 
Draw me, sweet girl, with love to you. 



128 POEMS. 

Wi HAIR IS SILVERED O'ER. 



My hair is silvered o'er the brow, 
And fled the beauty of the face, 

Where once did bUishing roses grow. 
Forever a settled sadness trace. 

Oft memory lingers round the past, 
When happy-hearted, light, and free, 

Believing joy and love could last. 
When thoughtless in my girlish glee. 

Oh, ask me not to smile again. 

While passing through this life of woe: 

Remember few could bear the pain 
I've struggled long and hard, to do. 

In dreary solitude I wander, 

Bereft of every hope in life 
Beyond the wish to fling asunder 

AH earthlv ties and end the strife. 

Amid the burning deeds of wrong 
I fly for rest, my God, to thee, — 

To whom my hope and faith belong 
Till death shall set my spirit free. 



POEMS. 129 

REMEMBRANCE. 



Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget 
One moonlight eve of summer, 

When first by chance we met 
On the loveliest isle that sparkles 

In our own blue native sea, — 
'Tis a chain that binds me ever 

To lovincr thoughts of thee. 



o 



Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget? 
Those moonlight eves of summer 

Though past, I may regret: 
For we have met and parted, — 

Each to go our separate way, — 
'Tis a thought that lingers ever. 

And the past recalls to-day. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget? 
Fond memories of my girlhood 

Twine round my heartstrings yet: 
And still the heart doth oft recall 

Fond thoughts of youthful days. 
When love's sweet flower was budding 

Beneath its springtime rays. 



I30 POEMS. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget? 
Though fled, forgotten never, 

Until life's sun doth set: 
While fancy often lingers 

O'er the happy, blissful past, — 
O'er the days when I so merry 

Thouglit joy and love would last. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For I have ne'er forgot: 
Those balmy eves of summer 

Have left a fragrant spot; 
For memory often wanders, — 

In fancv a2;ain I tread 
Those blissful days all over, 

And si2;h that thev have fled. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget 
Those moonlight eves of summer, 

When so often I have set 
Within the mellow gloaming 

Of the twilight's gentle hour, 
With many a dearly loved one. 

That I'll see again no more. 



POEMS. 131 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For I can ne'er forget: 
Those moonlight eves of summer 

Fondly linger round me yet; 
While oft the sigh I smother 

For the sweet remembered past, 
And the cherished ones who loved me 

With a love too pure to last. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For I can ne'er forget 
Those moonlight eves of summer 

When many a time I've set 
Within some leafy bower, 

In my girlhood's happy day, — 
With loved ones all around me, 

Have whiled the hours away. 

Ah, well do I remember, — 

For how can I forget 
The moonlight eves of summer 

Shine just as brightly yet. 
And in the far-off heavens 

Shines many a gleaming light; 
Where in the great Hereafter 

Our spirits may unite. 



132 



POEMS. 



All, well do I remember, — 

For I can ne'er forget: 
I would be of that number 

Who may with angels sit. 
Then the future life may brighten 

With the dawn of coming light 
That shines direct from Heaven 

To guide us to the right. 







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